Study the Masters: W. Eugene Smith

W. Eugene Smith (1918-1978) was an American photojournalist with an uncanny sense of timing and humanity. Often credited as the father of the photo-essay, Smith began his career making photographs for papers in Wichita, Kansas, before eventually moving on to Newsweek, then Life, which he eventually left over an argument about how they used his images of Albert Schweitzer, after which he joined Magnum. Smith had a reputation for being uncompromising in his principles and work, which no doubt make him tough to work with, but adds to the reasons he remains so celebrated for this work. Smith is probably most well known for his WWII work, but his photographs from home are no less captivating. There’s a darkness to his work that I find especially compelling and human.

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ABOUT DAVID

I’m David duChemin. I’m a world & humanitarian photographer, author, adventurer, and entrepreneur. I want to see this world for the astonishing place it is, and help others do the same. Welcome here. Read More